Learning outcomes

Dutch-taught Bachelor of Computer Science

A degree in Computer Science at the University of Antwerp corresponds with competent computer scientists with a scientific background. After obtaining the degree such students will be able to (a) adopt new technological developments in the respective disciplines within computer science; (b) exploit these developments where applicable in their professional context; (c) when required, make original contributions to the further development of the discipline. The bachelor of Computer Science is not a final degree. These objectives are therefore only partly realised.

1. Analysis and design for small-scale software projects.
(Small scale means that the project can be managed by one person)
Understanding an identified problem and modelling a potential solution.

2. Implementation of new software systems.
Possibly as a member of a team, turning a given basic design into a functioning program. Refinement of the basic design (e.g. designing a suitable interface), selection of the software to be used, integrating existing components.

3. Maintenance of current software systems.
Adaptation of existing programs to changes in the possibilities of both hardware and software (upgrades). Limited ability to adjust existing programs to altered needs.

4. Implementation and maintenance of a database.
Capacity for designing and implementing a database data model. Limited ability to adapt existing databases in function of altering needs.

5. Management of a local network.
Selection of suitable network infrastructure and protocols. Implementation of the required improvements to tackle scale and performance problems.

6. Support and advice.
Solving problems, helpdesk function, i.e. having enough ready knowledge to solve concrete software problems (e.g. compatibility, file formats, version management, installation ...) in the short term. Giving smaller organizations (small or medium enterprises) advice on new automatization projects (feasibility, benefit, required material …).

7. Communication skills.
Ability to maintain contact with colleagues and employers – both orally and in writing.

8. Mathematical basis.
A solid mathematical training is required for understanding the scientific techniques and methods currently used in informatics.

9. Formal thinking and ability to abstract.
Easily deal with abstract models to enable formal reasoning and arguments.

10. Scientific processing of data.
To systematically gather data, to correctly interpret them and connect the necessary conclusions to them.

11. Keeping abreast of technological developments.
Being able to follow (the mainly English) specialized literature and keeping abreast of recent developments. This requires a thinking framework in which the coherence between the different subfields of informatics is grasped.

12. Scientific basis.
Apart from a solid knowledge of fundamental concepts, methods and subfield of informatics, also an insight in other scientific disciplines (e.g. mathematics, physics, economics) and their scientific techniques, methods and limitations.

13. Functioning autonomously and creatively.
With a broad basic formation, a bachelor is able to divide a complex task into subtasks, to execute each of the subtasks separately, without however losing sight of the whole. Moreover, a bachelor is capable of self-reflection, so that in the future similar tasks will be done better.